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The third segment of Running With Romney, a series of potential VP interviews by FOX News’ Bret Baier (Special Report) aired today. The spotlight was on House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan:

At age 28, Ryan was elected to Wisconsin’s 1st congressional district but he quickly moved up to become the youngest chairman of the House Budget Committee in 2011. Speaking about his budget plan, Ryan says, “We knew that if we offered solutions, that they were going to demagogue those solutions. But we feel that we have a moral and a legal obligation, that if we don’t like the direction the president’s taking the country, we should do something about it.”

Republican strategist Mike Murphy noted a downside if Romney chooses Ryan as his vice presidential nominee, saying, “Paul Ryan budget genius, very important in the Congress, good guy, Romney’s close to him, talks to him a lot. The downside is you nominate Paul, one, you take a real player out of the Congress. And two, you’re going to re-litigate the Ryan plan which has policy advantages but some political baggage.”

Ryan reiterated what he has previously stated when asked about becoming Romney’s running mate. “If they ask me to consider it, then I’ll consider it. But that’s months away from that kind of decision being made as far as I know. I like my job. I think I can make a big difference doing what I’m doing.”

Part 3 – Congressman Paul Ryan

View additional segments by clicking on names below:

Part 1 – Sen. Marco Rubio

Part 2 - Sen. Rob Portman

► Jayde Wyatt

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As part of a series of potential VP interviews FOX News’ Bret Baier (Special Report) is promoting, the second installment of Running With Romney aired tonight. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) was showcased:

Republican strategist Mike Murphy weighed in on the possibility of a Romney-Portman ticket. “He can govern, he gets along well with Mitt Romney, and he’s from Ohio a very vital state… And he’s somebody the press knows and has vetted so you don’t get the shock effect.”

Portman was known as the “budget hawk” when he served under the Bush administration. Critics say bringing up those years will not be helpful in the current election cycle. He defended his credentials, saying, “I came in as you know in 2006, 2007 and the budget that I proposed actually was a balanced budget … So the year that I was there, 2007, the deficit was about 1/8 of the deficit today.”

Part 2 – Sen. Rob Portman:

Part 1 – Sen. Marco Rubio may be viewed here.

► Jayde Wyatt

Governor Mitt Romney and wife, Ann, were guests on the CBS This Morning program today. Co-hosts Charlie Rose and Erica Hill conducted the interview.

Part 1 - Romney on Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng, Bin Laden death shouldn’t be campaign issue, VP posssibilities:

…Romney said the president “has every right to take credit” for ordering the mission.

Romney added: “At the same time, I think it was very disappointing for the president to try and make this a political item by suggesting that I wouldn’t have ordered such a raid. Of course I would have. Any American — any thinking American — would have ordered exactly the same thing. But of course you give the president the credit for the fact that he did so.”

Part 2 - After hearing, for the umpteenth time, questions about Mitt’s personality, Ann Romney says he’s still “wild and crazy”:

“I still look at him as the boy that I met in high school when he was playing all the jokes and really just being crazy — pretty crazy. So there’s a wild and crazy man inside there.”

Read more…

On this first anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden…

Governor Mitt Romney released the following statement:

“Today marks the one year anniversary of the mission that brought Osama bin Laden to justice. That mission was the culmination of nearly a decade of hard work and sacrifice by our men and women in the military and intelligence communities. I commend all those who planned and conducted the bin Laden raid, and I applaud President Obama for giving the go ahead for the mission. Let us never forget the thousands of innocents who perished on September 11, 2001, or the brave servicemen and women who have given their lives to defeat those who would do harm to our country. They, and their families, are forever in our thoughts and prayers.”

► Jayde Wyatt

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FOX News’ Bret Baier is running a series on his television program (Special Report) in which he interviews potential VP picks for Governor Mitt Romney. He’s dubbed his series Running With Romney. Last night Senator Marco Rubio was the first to be featured. Here’s the interview:

► Jayde Wyatt

Israeli historian Benzion Netanyahu, professor emeritus at Cornell University and father of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, passed away this morning at his home in in Jerusalem. He had recently been ill.

He was 102 years old.

Today, Governor Mitt Romney released the following statement on the death of Benzion Netanyahu:

“I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Benzion Netanyahu. Not only was he the father of my friend Benjamin, the Prime Minister of Israel, and the father of Israel’s hero of the Entebbe raid, Yonatan Netanyahu, he was also a distinguished historian and leader in his own right. This is a loss for all of Israel and for all who care about Israel.”

Background on Professor Netanyahu:

Benzion Netanyahu (Hebrew: בנציון נתניהו‎ Bentsion) born Benzion Mileikowsky, (March 25, 1910 – April 30, 2012) was an Israeli historian and a professor emeritus at Cornell University. He was a specialist in the golden age of Jewish History in Spain, and is known for his opus, the Origins of the Inquisition in Fifteenth Century Spain. In his final work, The Founding Fathers of Zionism, Benzion profiled the leading theorists of Israel; Leo Pinsker, Theodor Herzl, Max Nordau, Israel Zangwill and Ze’ev Jabotinsky. He was secretary to Ze’ev Jabotinsky, “the father of Revisionist Zionism”, and was a Revisionist leader of the Zionist Movement in theUnited States.

The funeral has been scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday at Jerusalem’s Har Hamenuchot cemetery.

Mitt Romney Central extends sincere condolences to Prime Minister Netanyahu and his family.

► Jayde Wyatt

ROMNEY FOR PRESIDENT has released an excellent new video about one of Obama’s broken promises.

‘BROKEN PROMISES: SPENDING‘

But I will also go through the federal budget line by line, eliminating programs that no longer work and making the ones we do need work better and cost less, because we cannot meet 21st century challenges with a 20th century bureaucracy.” – Barack Obama, August 28, 2008

Supporting links:

TEXT:”Taxpayer dollars were squandered” after GSA officials spent nearly $1 Million for a lavish conference for only 300 attendees.”

GSA Administrator Martha Johnson admitted in a letter of resignation that her agency had made a ‘significant misstep’ and that ‘taxpayer dollars were squandered.’ A GSA Inspector General’s report on the 2010 GSA ‘Western Regions’ training conference in Las Vegas shows the government spent more than $822,000 for the 300 attendees…” (Lesa Jansen, “GSA Head Resigns Over ‘Wasteful’ Las Vegas Seminar,” CNN, 4/2/12)

TEXT: “Obama’s budget projects that the deficit for the current year will total $1.33 Trillion, the fourth straight year of deficits over $1 Trillion.” Highlights Of Obama’s $3.8 Trillion Budget, The Associated Press, 2/13/12

TEXT: “Under President Obama, the nation’s total public debt has reached a record $15.6 Trillion.”
U.S. Department Of The Treasury, www.treasurydirect.gov, Accessed 4/26/12

► Great video! Let’s get it out there; share it anywhere possible.

By Michael Ramirez - April 20, 2012

► Jayde Wyatt

Last night, the crew at Entertainment Tonight caught up with busy Ann Romney. Nancy O’Dell asked the former First Lady of Massachusetts a variety of questions, including queries about Saturday Night Live skits that skewer her and Governor Romney. Ann’s good humor won the evening: “Over the weekend we heard about it — our kids e-mailed us about it and we laughed about it.”

Mrs. Romney was also asked if she would ever appear on SNL (answer in video below).

Ms. O’Dell inquired about Ann’s health – her battle with cancer and ongoing challenges with multiple sclerosis. Opening up about the debilitating way M.S. affects her, Ann revealed a scare she had just before Super Tuesday. Here’s the interview:

“I had such a nice time talking to her [Ann Romney]. She is such a strong woman.” ~ Nancy O’Dell

On Monday (April 23rd), the night before mini Super Tuesday elections, the former Massachusetts First Lady was in Stamford, Connecticut where she was the keynote speaker at the Prescott Bush Awards Dinner.

If you’re unfamiliar with the event, it’s named after United States Senator Prescott Sheldon Bush who represented Connecticut from 1952 until January 1963. He was the father of President George H. W. Bush (41), and grandfather to President George W. Bush (43) and 43rd Governor of Florida – Jeb Bush. The event sold out; it’s the biggest fundraiser of the year for the state GOP. This year, Tom Foley, who ran for governor in 2010, received the Prescott Bush Award. Foley was narrowly defeated by Democrat Dan Malloy.

Mrs. Romney regaled the crowd relating stories of the hard work and rewards of motherhood and shared the some of the challenges of her health. In 2002, when Governor Romney committed to take on the scandal-ridden Winter Olympic Games, her M.S. was so bad she could barely walk, but, with Mitt’s encouragement, she was able to carry the Olympic torch. She related how her husband and five boys cheered and got teary-eyed with love and pride when she completed the taxing accomplishment.

Ann spoke of the juggling act of motherhood:

“I know what it’s like to finish the laundry and to look in the basket five minutes later and it’s full again,” Romney said. “I know what it’s like to pull all the groceries in and see the teenagers run through and then all of sudden all of the groceries you just bought a few hours ago are gone. I know what it’s like to get up early in the morning and get them off to school. I know what it’s like get up in the middle of the night when they’re sick And I know what it’s like to struggle and to have those concerns that all mothers have.”
[...]
“Some people think that I didn’t work,” Romney said. “I didn’t have help for many, many years.”

Romney said it was only after the birth of her youngest son, Craig, when she had to have emergency surgery, that she enlisted help with running the household.

Ann also spoke of the outpouring of encouragement she is receiving along the campaign trail and of the many women who have revealed they are praying for her:

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that because the days are long, the road is hard, the trials are there and I never know when I have this little gray cloud over my head when it’s going to start raining again,” Romney said. “And I do need everyone’s prayers.”

C-Span aired Ann’s excellent speech:

Ann Romney: “There is something going on out there in America. Traveling all over the United States has been amazing and I have met the most amazing people, especially women. These women are speaking to me about the economy, about the budget deficit, about their future. I have learned that people are ready for a change and for someone to come out and fix it.”

Readers have asked about the birthday party/fundraiser Melania Trump hosted for Ann Romney back on April 17th. In a nutshell, it was a great success!

Read more…

It’s Primary Election Day!

Voters are going to the polls today in Connecticut (28 delegates), Delaware (17 delegates), New York (95 delegates), Pennsylvania (72 delegates), and Rhode Island (19 delegates).

Hoping to further finalize the primary process, Romney supporters are hoping for victories in all five states.

UPDATE:

IT’S A CLEAN SWEEP FOR ROMNEY!

Congrats!

A better America began tonight!

“After 43 primaries and caucuses, many long days and not a few long nights, I can say with confidence – and gratitude – that you have given me a great honor and solemn responsibility.
. . .
To all of the thousands of good and decent Americans I’ve met who want nothing more than a better chance, a fighting chance, to all of you, I have a simple message: Hold on a little longer,” he said. “A better America begins tonight.” ~ Mitt Romney

Text of Governor Romney’s victory speech, given tonight in Manchester, NH, may read here.

Video of Romney’s victory speech:

“Four years ago Barack Obama dazzled us in front of Greek columns with sweeping promises of hope and change. But after we came down to earth… what do we have to show for three and a half years of President Obama.

Is it easier to make ends meet? Is it easier to sell your home or buy a new one? Have you saved what you needed for retirement? Are you making more in your job? Do you have a better chance to get a better job? Do you pay less at the pump?” ~ Mitt Romney

► Jayde Wyatt

Mitt Romney has just been given a BIG helping of Special K…

Ohio Governor John Kasich and Arizona Senator Jon Kyl are keen to support Governor Romney ‘s campaign for the presidency. Ohio Lt. Gov Mary Taylor is also standing with Romney.

Serving as an important link to the northeast and midwest, here’s the latest from the beautiful Buckeye State:

Announcing his support, Governor Kasich said, “The biggest issue in this presidential election will be who can make the economy stronger so that America’s families can be stronger. I’m for Mitt Romney because he’s got the proven experience as a manager and as a job creator that America needs right now. The progress we’ve made in Ohio is hampered by a White House that can’t make up its mind and which can’t set the right course for our economy. Mitt Romney’s got what it takes to get us back on track and I look forward to working with him to make his campaign in Ohio and across the country a success.”

Lt. Gov. Taylor said, “With job creation being Ohio’s top priority, the presidential race is going to be about whose policies can help us continue to get back on our feet. The tax-and-spend policies we see now from the White House are only barriers to our efforts to get Ohioans working again. By contrast, Mitt Romney has a deep understanding of the needs of job creators and will put that experience and know-how to work for Ohioans and the nation, and I’m happy to support his campaign for the presidency.”

Romney responds:

“I am proud to have earned the support of Ohio Governor Kasich and Ohio Lt. Gov. Taylor,” said Mitt Romney. “This might be the most important election in a generation. Our country can continue on its current path, or we can choose another path – one with lower spending, more jobs, and less debt. Ohio will be a critical – and possibly deciding – state in November. Having the support of Governor Kasich and Lt. Gov. Taylor will be vital in our efforts to defeat President Obama and change the direction of the country.”

Background on Governor Kasich:
Governor John Kasich was elected in 2010. Previously he served for 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives where he was chairman of the Budget Committee and the architect of the first balanced budget in decades. In his first year as governor, he closed an historic $8 billion budget shortfall without a tax increase and instead cut taxes by $800 million. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on Gov. Kasich’s watch Ohio has created more than 82,000 jobs –the most in the Midwest and the fourth largest increase in the nation – and both Standard & Poors and Moody’s have raised Ohio’s credit outlook from negative to stable.

Background on Lt. Gov. Taylor:

Lt. Gov. Taylor was elected with Gov. Kasich in 2010. Previously she served in the Ohio House of Representatives and as Auditor of State. As Lt. Gov. she oversees the Department of Insurance and leads the Administration’s effort to streamline and update Ohio’s regulatory policies.

From the magnificent Grand Canyon State, which attracts five million visitors per year, comes the call from Senator Jon Kyl to unite behind Governor Romney:

Announcing his support, Senator Kyl said, “After a long primary, it is time for the Republican Party to come together and support the candidate who will defeat President Obama. That is why I am proud to support Mitt Romney. President Obama’s record is full of broken promises and failed policies. Mitt Romney will restore American greatness at home and abroad. He has a bold economic plan that will create jobs and help middle class families prosper. He will also make the 21st century an American century and regain America’s respected status in the world. These next months will be hard fought and change will not come easy, but I am proud to stand with Mitt and to do anything I can to make sure he is our next president.”

Romney:

“Senator Kyl has been a leader in the Senate in the fight to cut spending, make government accountable, and to protect our country,” said Mitt Romney. “I am proud to have the support of someone who shares my vision for getting our country on the right track by allowing the private sector to flourish and getting government out of the way. Senator Kyl has been a tremendous public servant for Arizona and I look forward to working with him to reach out to Arizona voters over the next few months.”

Background on Senator Kyl:

Senator Kyl Was First Elected To The U.S. Senate In 1994. For over four years, Kyl has been the Senate Minority Whip. He also served eight years in the U.S. House and was a lawyer before entering government. He and his wife Caryll have two children.

As the GOP’s presumptive nominee and 2012 standard bearer, Romney is in Arizona today to speak at the 2012 RNC State Chairmen’s Meeting. It’s the last formal meeting before the nomination convention in August in Tampa; those running Republican organizations at the state level will be in attendance.

C-Span will air it LIVE at 3:45pm (ET). CNN will provide a livefeed here.

From PBS NewsHour:
GOP Establishment Gets Behind Romney
By Christina Bellantoni, Terence Burlij
April 20, 2012:

It’s a big day for Mitt Romney, who will be embraced by GOP establishment figures during the Republican National Committee’s meeting of state chairmen and officials in Scottsdale, Ariz.

All week he’s been collecting endorsements from governors and other top lawmakers — including House Speaker John Boehner …
[...]
The unity weekend is intended to help the entire party shift focus onto the general election.

Santorum supporters are joining Romney:

A top RNC official contended Thursday that enthusiasm for Mr. Romney, who has struggled at times to connect with the party’s conservative base, is on the rise.

“Romney is getting conservatives on this committee to rally behind him,” said Illinois RNC member Demetra DeMonte, the elected secretary of the RNC and a founding member of the RNC’s Conservative Caucus. Ms. DeMonte had originally favored Mr. Santorum, who often outpaced Mr. Romney in primaries and caucuses among evangelical voters and tea party activists.

The unity weekend is intended to help the entire party shift focus onto the general election.

★ UPDATE - Watch Romney’s speech here.

By the way, the Romney campaign is giving away FREE bumper stickers. Get yours now; click here!

(emphasis added to endorsements/article)

► Jayde Wyatt